Coastal Jazz & Blues Society (CJBS) is excited to announce that a Board of Directors transition plan has been agreed upon between the Society and key representatives of the artistic community. Effective immediately, the CJBS board will be composed of two existing directors – Mitchell Edgar and Mike Matich, and two newly appointed directors, Meredith Bates and Julia Ulehla.
After several months of shifting governance, leadership discussions, and negotiations, a compromise agreement was reached. As part of these dialogues, both parties have agreed that a Special General Meeting is no longer necessary, and the requisition has been formally rescinded. After months of turmoil and reflection, the Society perceives the conflict as the fertile ground from which a more equitable organization can evolve and flourish.
Key CJBS organizational priorities for the ensuing months will be to increase the inclusivity of the board, with a commitment to appoint experienced and diverse new members, representative of the community, within the first 90 days, an external review of governance practices, and, a revision of the CJBS bylaws.
“As a board, we are committed to providing governance that is inclusive and in dialogue with all of the Society’s constituents. The Coastal Jazz & Blues Society has a long legacy in the city, and is tremendously important to both the local community and the global jazz scene. Many artists and promoters came forward, en masse, to voice their support for the communitarian ethos and artistic integrity of the Society. We want to ensure that we raise the ethical bar of the organization and that Coastal becomes seen, not just as an artistic leader, but a leader in governance, transparency, and accountability to the community” said Julia Ulehla and Meredith Bates, newly elected board members.
This year is the 37th year of the Society, and the 36th season of the festival. The 2022 TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival is scheduled for June 24- July 3 at locations throughout Vancouver, with over 140 artists confirmed to perform. Stay tuned for an announcement of onsale dates on April 11th.
